This book extends the ideas of the competency and quality movements in higher education to definitions of learning outcomes that deal with an unknown future, and to accountability as a consequence rather than a focus. It argues that ways of teaching (bringing learning about), assessment (finding out what has been learned), and university…

This book is an exploration of the changing definitions of knowledge competence held to be valuable in universities. The central argument is that one ideology, that of academic competence, is being displaced with another ideology, that of operational competence. The book begins by considering the relationships among higher education, knowledge,…

This book argues that if we lose our knowledge of the Greek classics, we lose our understanding of Western culture and who we are. Familiarity with the literature, art, and philosophy of the classical world has been synonymous with "education" in the West for over two millennia. The Greek tenets of democracy, capitalism, materialism, personal…

The intent of this discussion paper is to provide a survey of emerging trends in general education reform at institutions of higher education. Ten themes are identified: (1) rethinking the major; (2) concern with student learning beyond course content; (3) an increased emphasis on diversity; (4) the importance of technology; (5) efficiency and…

This book examines the American experience in liberal education and demonstrates that there has been a "crisis" surrounding the curriculum of the modern U.S. university for the past two centuries. It points out where and how contemporary critics of the curriculum are wrong, historically speaking, and shows how American ideals of "liberal…

The range of controversies and changes emerging from the current revival of general education are examined, and many ideas, examples, and recommendations for achieving realistic and successful curricular reform are offered. Instead of either offering an apology for general education or advocating any particular approach, the book draws on solid…

In response to some educators' advocacy of a return to a "core curriculum" (a specific set of courses required by all degree-bound college students), this book maintains that the simple acquisition of broad-based knowledge is not the solution to the complex and difficult problems in higher education today. It presents views of the "educated…

A professor of literature recounts and draws on his experiences in the undergraduate English classroom, providing guidance to other teachers through theoretical and anecdotal comments on teaching and learning styles, curriculum, and teaching methods. The first chapter sketches a theoretical framework synthesized from models of learning and…

General education, or learning that should be common to all, is considered in five essays adapted from colloquium addresses and one essay, summarized in chapters 1 and 7 of this volume, that provided the colloquium theme. In "The Quest for Common Learning," Ernest L. Boyer identifies six essential objectives of general education. Wayne C. Booth's…

The results of several studies of the humanities and social sciences in undergraduate engineering education are presented and discussed. The first chapter explains the value of humanities and social sciences coursework and describes briefly some of the obstacles confronting efforts to improve it. The second chapter summarizes the findings of two…

The debate over teaching the "canon," a collection of great books authored by Homer, Plato, Shakespeare, Kant, Darwin, and others that has traditionally represented the Western intellectual tradition, as a core of the college curriculum, is examined. Discussion begins with a description of how the canon has been taught from ancient…

Designed as a call to community college faculty, administrators, and trustees to make a major investment in the collegiate function of their institutions, this book attempts to provide a strong conceptual foundation for vigorous renewal of the collegiate community college. Chapter 1 provides an overview of the community college as a collegiate…

During American colleges' current process of reexamining their commitment to fostering moral development in students, questions have arisen: What is the place of values education in higher education? Does the study of ethics improve moral character? Is it possible to teach values without indoctrinating students? What are the best methods for…

This volume documents the Ford Foundation's Mainstreaming Minority Women's Studies program to encourage curriculum transformation by concentrating on the issues, learning, research, and achievements of women of color in the United States. Part 1 is on faculty development and begins with two essays: "Shifting Models, Creating Visions: Process…

This book analyzes the crisis facing the American liberal arts college and offers a proposal for its reform. It argues that a college's infidelity to the ideals of liberal education adversely affects its relationship to society, its educational program, and its teachers. A definition and a defense of liberal education ideals is offered. The author…